Aircraft Windshield Wiper Installation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of aircraft windshield wipers is labor-intensive, complex, and typically requires trained mechanics, with inexperienced personnel relying on trial and error due to the lack of a simple and efficient method for precise positioning and setting of wiper positions.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper installation system comprising a housing with an installation control unit, positioning members, and position-setting members, coupled with an actuator through a gearbox, allowing for precise movement and setting of wiper positions, including lower limit, upper limit, and park positions, using electrical couplings and motors for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the wiper arm is raised up to the lift block assembly with too much force, then the wiper arm reaches the lift block assembly, but the park position is defined below the lift block assembly causing collision during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from position sensors to monitor the wiper arm's location in real-time and adjusts the motor's motion accordingly. When the wiper arm approaches the lift block assembly, the feedback signal triggers the motor to stop at the correct position, preventing both over-forcing (collision) and insufficient force (incomplete parking).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rigging process with an automated electromechanical system. The motor-driven actuator with electronic position control substitutes for the manual trial-and-error method, providing precise and repeatable positioning without requiring human judgment or force application.
2Reliability
If the wiper arm is raised up to the lift block assembly with insufficient force, then the wiper arm does not collide with the lift block assembly, but the park position is defined above the lift block assembly causing insufficient parking
Solution Approach 1:
Position feedback sensors continuously monitor the wiper arm's location and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback ensures the motor drives the wiper arm far enough to reach the correct park position at the lift block assembly, preventing insufficient parking while avoiding over-travel that would cause collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated electromechanical system replaces manual positioning with motor-driven actuation. The motor provides consistent, controlled force to move the wiper arm to the precise required position, eliminating the uncertainty and variability inherent in manual force application.
3Manufacturing precision
If an unexperienced mechanic relies on trial and error to rotate the bushing for proper rigging, then the wiper may eventually be installed correctly, but the installation process is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trial-and-error bushing rotation process with an automated motor-driven system. The motor precisely rotates the bushing to the correct angular position based on electronic signals, achieving accurate rigging in a single operation rather than through repeated trial and error attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors provide feedback on the bushing's rotational position, allowing the control system to verify when the correct orientation is achieved. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for repeated adjustments and ensures accurate installation on the first attempt, significantly reducing installation time.
4Ease of manufacture
If the known windshield wiper system uses manual installation by trained mechanics, then the installation can be completed, but the process is labor intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual installation procedures with a simplified automated system. The motor-driven actuator with electronic control substitutes for multiple manual operations (positioning, forcing, verifying), reducing the skill level required while maintaining installation quality. The electronic system manages the complexity internally, presenting a simple interface to the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system performs self-adjustment and self-verification through automated sensors and control logic. The system monitors its own position, detects when proper installation is achieved, and makes necessary adjustments automatically, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures and expert judgment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A windshield wiper installation system (100) is configured to be used to install a wiper (102) on a windshield (104) of an aircraft (10). The windshield wiper installation system (100) includes a housing (106), an installation control unit (108) contained within the housing (106), at least one positioning member (110) secured to the housing (106), wherein the installation control unit (108) is operatively coupled to the positioning member(s) (110), and at least one position-setting member (112) secured to the housing (106), wherein the installation control unit (108) is operatively coupled to the position-setting member(s) (112). The positioning member(s) (110) is configured to be engaged to move the wiper (102) to one or more desired positions (150, 152, 154) on the windshield (104). The position-setting member (112) is configured to set the desired position(s) when the wiper (102) is at the desired position(s) (150, 152, 154).